shot by rosebullet

Always on the lookout for alternative clothes' brands, my best friend and I discovered Rosebullet a few years ago. At that time, this Japanese label has just been launched in Singapore, the first in the South-East Asian region. I remembered how exhilarated both of us were at finding a label wherein its style is just so, well, our style of dressing - simple and sweet while playing with every details. Plus, we were delighted at not always having to buy from the dominant labels.

Unfortunately, the style of its collections gradually changed to a more flamboyant one, perhaps due to the departure of its Japanese Manager whom I believed was in charged with selecting which apparels and accessories to be brought in here. Hoping that I would finally see a revert back to the original style, I would always be disappointed after stepping out of Isetan, where it is located. Eventually, I stopped going there for my fashion fix.

That was the case till I happened to pass by there again last Saturday. I had the exact feeling when I first saw its clothes that it is like a re-bonding session. I bought a cute navy dress with mini gold studs all over it and received its catalog that showcases its spring/summer collection. I loved the whole package of its presentation - the summer-vacation theme, the choice of colors, and the laid-back style of the clothes - that best encapsulates these two seasons:

a handbag affair

Today's lecture was about buyer behavior and when my lecturer explains the buyer decision process, I know exactly what he is talking about.

The Buyer Decision Process:

1st stage - Need Recognition:
My only versatile (in terms of style and function) has gave up on me with four holes which were once fastened with rivets. Refusing to give up on it, I went to a few repair stores to get it fixed but they don't just don't have the same rivets as those on my handbag. They don't even have those in similar colors. Sigh... So I've been carrying my mom's handbag but I still have to get one for myself.

Verdict: I need a handbag.

2nd stage - Information Search:
This handbag affair has me absorbed in looking at photographs (zoom in, top view, back view) of one tote bag after another for a week now. That explains the dark circles around my eyes. I think I'm now more than ever qualified to join the panda-look-alike club.

3rd stage: Evaluation of Alternatives:
But how am I going to chose one that I really like and is suitable for me without bombing on my wallet? That needs a precise filter system.

So hopefully, the fourth stage of purchase decision arrives soon and that the fifth stage of postpurchase behavior will be a positive one unlike the negative sentiment I felt for my previous handbag that doesn't last.

Seriously, why do academics love to put labels on every single minuscule commonsensical stuff?

opening of Docs' clinic for the individualistic dresser

September 25 is the grand opening of Dr. Martens concept store in Orchard Central. The theme of this boutique is based on UK, where Docs launched its first series of the iconic 1460 eight-eyelet boots. The name '1460' simply derives from the date it is launched - April Fool's Day 1960.

I love how the spacious store gives off a cozy vibe, like a celebrity without airs. I could read the books on DM's history and skinheads culture (that is Docs' first-ever symbol of subculture), or flip through the 'lookbook' for customers to read and get ideas on how to match with your Dr. Martens' boots while resting on the big burgundy Victorian-styled leather sofas at the center.

If you're interested in DM boots, here's its blog on the latest news in Singapore.

I was too occupied at the official launch there, but I did managed to take some photos (minus the crowd of media friends and buyers ;p):

1. 
   This is a table that functions like a trailer at a cinema. It gives you a 'sneak preview on the next upcoming new arrivals that have not reached Singapore yet.
   
   
   I took this pic a week ago. This is a Vespa scooter that is placed on the window display here. It's designed by local designer Lee Wei Chong, along with the pair of Docs' boots next to it.
   
   
   With the staff from the left - Honglim, Jackson, me and Samantha.
   
   With the gorgeous models who did a runway for the launch. Jackson was laughing his head off when he noticed the height gap between me and them when he took this photo.
   
   
   This is the eye-catching wallpaper that many love. It is on the walls behind the cashier, next to a British flag. And the plastic bag that's like a mini replica of it:
   Look closely... Spot a circled boot? That's one of my boots heez.. And here's the actual one:This is the 'rock star' that I wore to the opening yesterday. Her real name? 'Stella'.

uniqlo's Jap CM

Juri (shorter hair) & Meisa (long hair) look real cute in this UNIQLO commercial. I have not stepped into the newly-opened outlet here in Tampines One. Will I be able to play with the rows of neatly-folded clothes over there too? :p

positive thinking!

Sorry I've not been writing. I was lost and way too occupied on my inspiration-seeking journey to gather idea(s) for a feature article lately and now that I got it, I'm back!

I don't know if it's just me but I've been feeling a sense of gloominess around town area ever since the recession kicks in. Did you get that too?

Ever since news of a looming recession begins, I have been curbing my inner shopaholic persona and refraining myself from stepping into any one of my favorite stores such as Warehouse, french connection and Massimo Dutti to prevent me from buying anything.

Being a typical female (I just strike out 'girl' after much thought, thanks to those questionnaires which keep reminding me of my age); who is also a victim of consumerism; and a stickler of the 'right' combination of clothes and shoes, this obviously would not work out entirely.

This happened on the day I arranged to meet my friend in town for dinner.

At Wisma Atria shopping centre: 'Okay, here's Warehouse. Don't look Adele, keep walking. Oh no, I saw this cool jacket on the mannequin at bebe. No, don't enter. Just walk straight and you'll be fine. Oh, Nine West's having a sale! So, you have lots of shoes! You'll survive!" Wisma safe. Obstacle one cleared.

Straight and into Takashimaya shopping centre: 'No, that Guess blouse will not suit you so don't look. Yes, Calvin Klein and DKNY are having a sale, but that's none of your business. Gosh, the color of that pair of Armani jeans is just what I'm looking for so long! Okay, no. It's not on sale, so you can wait for it to go on sale right?' Level two cleared. For now.

Then, as I headed towards Kinokuniya bookstore, I passed by this recently-opened boutique - Juicy Couture. 'Aww.. That dress is gorgeous!' And with that, I finally could not resist the temptation but to enter this forbidden enclosure.

Luckily, that gorgeous dress (about $600) and the cute denim shorts ($310) were too pricey for a student like me to splurge on, especially in bad times like now. 'Luckily', in the sense that I will not spend anything at all in the end! Ha ha!

In an attempt to cut costs and save more, I even traded my usual dose of Starbucks double-shot espresso frappuccino with caramel drizzle for kopitiam's $0.80 coffee :( and bring along a bottle of water instead of buying those bottled / canned / packets of water (they can be unhealthy too) whenever I go out.

But what can I say? All that's important is I'm alive, healthy enough to sit down here and whine about it, and not bankrupt right?

Like what Domenico Dolce of Dolce & Gabbana said,

"The worst times can be the best if you think with positive energy."

Like what the Japanese loved to say with their cute accent, "Positive thinkin'!"